The Tom Gulley Show Podcast!

On this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom breaks down Public Domain Day 2026 and the major cultural works that officially became free to use on January 1, 2026 under U.S. copyright law. In the United States, copyright protection lasts 95 years from publication, which means works first published in 1930 entered the public domain in 2026. That single date unlocks a wide range of books, films, music, illustrations, and other creative works that can now be legally copied, adapted, remixed, published, performed, or reimagined by anyone — no permission required. Tom explains exactly how public domain law works, why January 1 matters every year, and how Public Domain Day continues to reshape modern culture, entertainment, education, and media. The episode also addresses common misconceptions about copyright expiration, character rights versus specific works, and how creators frequently misunderstand what is — and is not — truly public domain. This conversation explores why public domain releases remain one of t